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Shakuni & The Dice of Doom: Book 2 of the Mahabharata Series
Why did shakuni have to come to Hastinapur? His own gandhara folks believed that he wanted to take revenge against the Kauravas. They, however, knew nothing about shakuni’s disturbing secret and his actual intention. What was shakuni’s real motive? What was the secret he was trying to guard from the world with all his efforts? In Hastinapur, shakuni would get entrapped in an inescapable mesh of the past, the present, and the future. He could have freed himself from the tangle by cracking a particular riddle that he would only be able to solve too late. What was the riddle about? What made him finally realise that he had just been used? This is the untold story of shakti laced with love, desire, envy, Malice, and vengeance. This is a heart-rending chronicle of some grievously wounded people you can never hate, even if you fail to love or pity them.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2019
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57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 10, 2019
The Wicked Shakuni
The most crooked character of Mahabharata, his scheming and deviousness is not hidden from anyone, along with these traits this books also presents the circumstances which turned this cunning personal to a diabolical one.
It shows how shakuni read the behaviour of everyone in kuru family and placed his bait on thin skinned Duryodhan, which reaped dividends. Bheesam pitamah was no aloof to hatred and avenge, although he never expressed his jealousy and bitterness to any1 but there were lot of innuendos and slyness which makes you believe that he didn't give his best to stop the total annihilation of kuru clan, May be he had a personal battle with satyawati.
Another important battle is of Vidur and shakuni, Vidur is what shakuni is to kuravas. It's a battle of two cunning, smart and witty people, right from shakuni 's entry into hastinapur to cursed game of dice and till last day of war.
I find Mallar Chatterji, an amazing write , I have read both his books of Mahabharata series and I am waiting for the 3rd book very eagerly.
If you are a Mahabharata fan don't miss this one as Shakuni is a very interesting character and in this book he is the main protagonist (antagonist in real).
It's easy to read and a repertoire of knowledge.
The most crooked character of Mahabharata, his scheming and deviousness is not hidden from anyone, along with these traits this books also presents the circumstances which turned this cunning personal to a diabolical one.
It shows how shakuni read the behaviour of everyone in kuru family and placed his bait on thin skinned Duryodhan, which reaped dividends. Bheesam pitamah was no aloof to hatred and avenge, although he never expressed his jealousy and bitterness to any1 but there were lot of innuendos and slyness which makes you believe that he didn't give his best to stop the total annihilation of kuru clan, May be he had a personal battle with satyawati.
Another important battle is of Vidur and shakuni, Vidur is what shakuni is to kuravas. It's a battle of two cunning, smart and witty people, right from shakuni 's entry into hastinapur to cursed game of dice and till last day of war.
I find Mallar Chatterji, an amazing write , I have read both his books of Mahabharata series and I am waiting for the 3rd book very eagerly.
If you are a Mahabharata fan don't miss this one as Shakuni is a very interesting character and in this book he is the main protagonist (antagonist in real).
It's easy to read and a repertoire of knowledge.
April 5, 2020
Shakuni has always been an unforgettable figure in the Mahabharata, the base villain portrayed as shrewd and unscrupulous with a problematic leg. This stereotype was further reinforced by the effective performance of Gufi Paintal in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, in which the ace actor milked the role for all he was worth.
Mallar Chatterjee, in his latest book titled ‘Shakuni’, the second book of the Mahabharata series published by Readomania, goes beyond this charismatic character to provide answers that have not been touched on in the above television show or in most books that have been written on the subject.
Where did Shakuni come from and why was he so filled with venom and a need for vengeance? “I shall destroy the entire clan you are so proud of and make you watch the ruin.” Why does this thought come to him and who is he addressing?
The book begins on a thrilling note with anonymous characters and a mention made of a special gift that was never delivered, which gains significance at the end of the book.
It is noteworthy to see how, in those times, humiliations were levied with such ease, provoking embers of rage that went on to create immense feelings of revenge. Egos were huge, people were larger than life, especially amongst the clans like the Vrishnis, the Yadavas, the Kurus and the Gandharas.
An old prophecy plays a significant role, one that will herald strained relationships leading to a tragedy of epic proportions abounding in an atmosphere vitiated by jealousy, malice, hatred and unbridled corruption. Royal marriages are political alliances of convenience, aimed at annexing other kingdoms and amassing power. Thus, women like Gandhari and Kunti play their parts in enhancing the strength and prestige of their husbands.
Many questions crop up. Why was Gandhari in love with darkness? Who was Kunti before she became Kunti? More importantly, why did Shakuni refuse the throne of Gandhara? The courtiers had decided to confer the title of ‘Gandhara Ratna’ on him, feeling that “A Gandhara without Shakuni was much like a night without the moon.” Besides, he obviously loved his kingdom and he knew that “this beautiful kingdom and the unsuspecting people loved him so much.”
What makes this book intriguing is the new angle that the author gives into the thoughts of the main characters like Devavrata Bheeshma, a man troubled by various undercurrents within his mind, thoughts that were probably not explored by Vyasa when he wrote his epic. Vidur, the wisest of them all, also reveals certain frailties that he did not act upon, but which lay dormant in his mind.
This book becomes Shakuni’s own as the readers are introduced to his wife, Arshi, a woman of acute insight, and his young son, Uluk, who misses having his father around. Nowhere in the original epic does anyone even muse on Shakuni’s family members, surprising actually when you consider what a significant role he plays in bringing about the ruin of the Kauravas. Yet another question that comes across in this book is this.
“Who is the real nemesis of Hastinapura?”
The past, the present and the future come together, held in place by a riddle that is thrown at Shakuni, one that holds the key to a tenuous future. Shakuni strides like a colossus across the book, as colourful epithets are used to describe him. He is a fox, a sadist, the mastermind with unmatched brain power, as cruel and unforgiving as a serpent. He insinuates himself in the affairs of Hastinapura, creating a niche for himself among the Kauravas.
What is fascinating is the way Mallar Chaterjee has allowed the character of Shakuni to develop, from a callow youth to a protagonist with incurable wounds in his mind. He evolves from a petty conspirator to a man on a serious mission, his mind ravaged by a new set of evil ideas.
“Well before the children of Dhritarashtra and Pandu came into being, Shakuni had started casting them as important characters in a gripping play that he was going to script and direct.”
If there is any moment where the readers feel sympathy for Shakuni at any stage, it is quickly wiped out by what he himself terms as his last strike, which “would inflict on his enemies a wound more grievous than what his notorious dice had done.”
So, there you have it, the saga of a man who feels himself wronged and sets out to avenge his wrongs. This is a book that stays in your mind much after you have read it, maybe because the author starts from a story oft told and meanders into regions never trodden upon before.
Mallar Chatterjee, in his latest book titled ‘Shakuni’, the second book of the Mahabharata series published by Readomania, goes beyond this charismatic character to provide answers that have not been touched on in the above television show or in most books that have been written on the subject.
Where did Shakuni come from and why was he so filled with venom and a need for vengeance? “I shall destroy the entire clan you are so proud of and make you watch the ruin.” Why does this thought come to him and who is he addressing?
The book begins on a thrilling note with anonymous characters and a mention made of a special gift that was never delivered, which gains significance at the end of the book.
It is noteworthy to see how, in those times, humiliations were levied with such ease, provoking embers of rage that went on to create immense feelings of revenge. Egos were huge, people were larger than life, especially amongst the clans like the Vrishnis, the Yadavas, the Kurus and the Gandharas.
An old prophecy plays a significant role, one that will herald strained relationships leading to a tragedy of epic proportions abounding in an atmosphere vitiated by jealousy, malice, hatred and unbridled corruption. Royal marriages are political alliances of convenience, aimed at annexing other kingdoms and amassing power. Thus, women like Gandhari and Kunti play their parts in enhancing the strength and prestige of their husbands.
Many questions crop up. Why was Gandhari in love with darkness? Who was Kunti before she became Kunti? More importantly, why did Shakuni refuse the throne of Gandhara? The courtiers had decided to confer the title of ‘Gandhara Ratna’ on him, feeling that “A Gandhara without Shakuni was much like a night without the moon.” Besides, he obviously loved his kingdom and he knew that “this beautiful kingdom and the unsuspecting people loved him so much.”
What makes this book intriguing is the new angle that the author gives into the thoughts of the main characters like Devavrata Bheeshma, a man troubled by various undercurrents within his mind, thoughts that were probably not explored by Vyasa when he wrote his epic. Vidur, the wisest of them all, also reveals certain frailties that he did not act upon, but which lay dormant in his mind.
This book becomes Shakuni’s own as the readers are introduced to his wife, Arshi, a woman of acute insight, and his young son, Uluk, who misses having his father around. Nowhere in the original epic does anyone even muse on Shakuni’s family members, surprising actually when you consider what a significant role he plays in bringing about the ruin of the Kauravas. Yet another question that comes across in this book is this.
“Who is the real nemesis of Hastinapura?”
The past, the present and the future come together, held in place by a riddle that is thrown at Shakuni, one that holds the key to a tenuous future. Shakuni strides like a colossus across the book, as colourful epithets are used to describe him. He is a fox, a sadist, the mastermind with unmatched brain power, as cruel and unforgiving as a serpent. He insinuates himself in the affairs of Hastinapura, creating a niche for himself among the Kauravas.
What is fascinating is the way Mallar Chaterjee has allowed the character of Shakuni to develop, from a callow youth to a protagonist with incurable wounds in his mind. He evolves from a petty conspirator to a man on a serious mission, his mind ravaged by a new set of evil ideas.
“Well before the children of Dhritarashtra and Pandu came into being, Shakuni had started casting them as important characters in a gripping play that he was going to script and direct.”
If there is any moment where the readers feel sympathy for Shakuni at any stage, it is quickly wiped out by what he himself terms as his last strike, which “would inflict on his enemies a wound more grievous than what his notorious dice had done.”
So, there you have it, the saga of a man who feels himself wronged and sets out to avenge his wrongs. This is a book that stays in your mind much after you have read it, maybe because the author starts from a story oft told and meanders into regions never trodden upon before.
December 7, 2022
#BookReview
Title: Shakuni and the dice of doom
Author: Mallar Chatterjee
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠
The title of this book itself attracted me to pick this one. My excitement was at its peak as I always wanted to know why Shakuni was hell bent on destroying his dear sister's Hastinapur.
The background before the prologue was super interesting and added to my curiosity. The prologue is gripping and doesn't give any idea about the characters mentioned therein. Only a strong observer may guess them correctly.
The book is divided into two parts. The book is fast-paced and narrative is in third person much to my surprise.
Never thought Devaki and Vasudeva's love story could be one of the sparks to sow the seeds of an uncalled revenge. Shini and Somdatta's scene is worth reading. Shakuni is not only an opportunist but also selects his words carefully. Shakuni's character is quite impressive.
This epic as we know revolves around Pandavas-Kauravas but it has more dark secrets and politics involved. The fire of revenge in humans is so wide that they willingly pass it on from generations to generations.
I always wanted to know why Yadav clan was destined to be cursed by Gandhari and why Lord Krishna was so interested in Pandavas life. While reading conversation between Bahlik and Somdatta, I wondered what right did they had to decide on behalf of Gandhari about something as crucial as her own life choices.
The importance of secret spies is so well explained. Apart from the most famous and important personalities in the epic, the unsung spies were not overlooked in this book. This gesture of author is highly appreciable.
Be it Pandavas, Kauravas or Shakuni, no one cared for women those days. Women were nothing but alliance material to these people. Shakuni was a sadist. He was cruel and unforgiving.
I'm highly impressed by Shakuni's wife, Arshi. Classy and elegant. Nothing is as dangerous as a woman's instinct. I loved her.
Shakuni was smart enough to notice the loopholes that were there in the kingdom of Hastinapur.
The reason why Dhritarashtra was born blind, Pandu pale and Vidur the smartest was something that I never knew before. Bheeshma also had an ulterior motive to let Shakuni stay in Hastinapur.
While reading the book, a thought came to my mind. How Shakuni poisons Duryodhan's mind by simply comparing him to his cousins. In the same way, many a times, some parents unknowingly create hatred between their children and their cousins by just comparing them on trivial things like grades, looks, etc.
Shakuni was so blind with his revenge that he made Duryodhan kill Bheem at such a tender age. The character development and new character entry timing is spot on.
This book is so different from the rest of the books that I have read till now. Not only did I enjoy the politics so much but also understood it for the first time.
Favourite quotes from the book:
🎲 Extraordinary people are always swarmed with complexities that spare lesser beings.
🎲 A king is not a free entity—a king is actually a captive in as much as his status does not allow him to do many things that a commoner can.
🎲 You can’t control everything falling on the passage from the present to the future. If it is pre-ordained, it will happen, by any means.
🎲 Being far-sighted is good but that does not mean you have to destroy your present for a distant, unclear future.
🎲 If you are so hell-bent on controlling the future, why shouldn’t you first try to anticipate or understand the issues that can cause disputes in the time ahead and try to nip them in the bud?
🎲 A human can be noble, but he is still a human, never a god.
🎲 The calm surface of the water often hides the turmoil underneath.
Will I be suggesting this book to my fellow readers?
Yes.
Title: Shakuni and the dice of doom
Author: Mallar Chatterjee
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠
The title of this book itself attracted me to pick this one. My excitement was at its peak as I always wanted to know why Shakuni was hell bent on destroying his dear sister's Hastinapur.
The background before the prologue was super interesting and added to my curiosity. The prologue is gripping and doesn't give any idea about the characters mentioned therein. Only a strong observer may guess them correctly.
The book is divided into two parts. The book is fast-paced and narrative is in third person much to my surprise.
Never thought Devaki and Vasudeva's love story could be one of the sparks to sow the seeds of an uncalled revenge. Shini and Somdatta's scene is worth reading. Shakuni is not only an opportunist but also selects his words carefully. Shakuni's character is quite impressive.
This epic as we know revolves around Pandavas-Kauravas but it has more dark secrets and politics involved. The fire of revenge in humans is so wide that they willingly pass it on from generations to generations.
I always wanted to know why Yadav clan was destined to be cursed by Gandhari and why Lord Krishna was so interested in Pandavas life. While reading conversation between Bahlik and Somdatta, I wondered what right did they had to decide on behalf of Gandhari about something as crucial as her own life choices.
The importance of secret spies is so well explained. Apart from the most famous and important personalities in the epic, the unsung spies were not overlooked in this book. This gesture of author is highly appreciable.
Be it Pandavas, Kauravas or Shakuni, no one cared for women those days. Women were nothing but alliance material to these people. Shakuni was a sadist. He was cruel and unforgiving.
I'm highly impressed by Shakuni's wife, Arshi. Classy and elegant. Nothing is as dangerous as a woman's instinct. I loved her.
Shakuni was smart enough to notice the loopholes that were there in the kingdom of Hastinapur.
The reason why Dhritarashtra was born blind, Pandu pale and Vidur the smartest was something that I never knew before. Bheeshma also had an ulterior motive to let Shakuni stay in Hastinapur.
While reading the book, a thought came to my mind. How Shakuni poisons Duryodhan's mind by simply comparing him to his cousins. In the same way, many a times, some parents unknowingly create hatred between their children and their cousins by just comparing them on trivial things like grades, looks, etc.
Shakuni was so blind with his revenge that he made Duryodhan kill Bheem at such a tender age. The character development and new character entry timing is spot on.
This book is so different from the rest of the books that I have read till now. Not only did I enjoy the politics so much but also understood it for the first time.
Favourite quotes from the book:
🎲 Extraordinary people are always swarmed with complexities that spare lesser beings.
🎲 A king is not a free entity—a king is actually a captive in as much as his status does not allow him to do many things that a commoner can.
🎲 You can’t control everything falling on the passage from the present to the future. If it is pre-ordained, it will happen, by any means.
🎲 Being far-sighted is good but that does not mean you have to destroy your present for a distant, unclear future.
🎲 If you are so hell-bent on controlling the future, why shouldn’t you first try to anticipate or understand the issues that can cause disputes in the time ahead and try to nip them in the bud?
🎲 A human can be noble, but he is still a human, never a god.
🎲 The calm surface of the water often hides the turmoil underneath.
Will I be suggesting this book to my fellow readers?
Yes.
March 19, 2025
There's a very evident lack of research, quite a few grammatical errors and extremely subpar writing, which- strange? Who edited this book? Who reviewed it? And who is giving this a high rating?
As an ardent fan of Hindu mythology, this book heavily disappointed me because I was expecting a good read, after reading the "reviews". Don't waste your time... Read something better.
As an ardent fan of Hindu mythology, this book heavily disappointed me because I was expecting a good read, after reading the "reviews". Don't waste your time... Read something better.
May 28, 2020
It is fantasy story..
Not a actual view point of Shakuni but a fantasy created by author..Though it is disclosed at start of book
Not a actual view point of Shakuni but a fantasy created by author..Though it is disclosed at start of book
January 2, 2021
A well researched and well written book, I got to learn about the lesser known characters and episodes of the Mahabharata by reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews